README.markdown

JSON

A public domain JSON parser for .NET

PM> Install-Package JSON

Introduction

This JSON parser is designed for applications that need a fast parser for embedded serialization but don't need a full blown framework for working with JSON data.

Features

• Uses precompilation tags for maximum platform compatibility
• In .NET 4.0, supports dynamic deserialization from a JSON schema to .NET object properties
• Public domain; use this anywhere without restrictions, open standards should be free.

Usage

Serializing and deserializing types

Serialization can occur at the type and property levels. At the type level, you use Serialize and Deserialize methods as expected. With property level serialization, you use FromJson and ToJson to convert JSON input to and from a hash. This is useful when you want to apply custom logic without requiring strong types.

Normally, you define a strong type in your application and use the generic Deserialize method to hydrate an instance of your object with a provided valid JSON input.

public class Dog
{
    public string Name { get; set; }
}

var json = @"{ ""name"" : ""Spot"" }";
var spot = JsonParser.Deserialize<Dog>(json);
Console.WriteLine(spot.Name);                              // Spot

Dynamic deserialization

Deserializing with a dynamic type system works much the same way, except that you can now access the properties of the underlying schema, in the original JSON's casing convention, or in typical .NET pascal case.

var json = @"{ ""horn_length"": 4, ""magic_powers"" : { ""cone_of_coneyness"" : true } }";
var unicorn = JsonParser.Deserialize(json);

Console.WriteLine(unicorn.HornLength);                     // 4
Console.WriteLine(unicorn.magic_powers.ConeOfConeyness);   // true